STYLE AND CULTURE

STYLE LESSONS FROM ATLANTA

By Maybelle Morgan, July 7, 2018

It’s given us a Migos cameo, a Drake house party and even an alt-universe black Justin Bieber. And for those reasons alone, it’s not surprising that FX’s offbeat comedy series Atlanta has amassed a cult following. The brainchild of Donald Glover follows local rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry) and his fumbling B-list manager Earn (Glover) as they navigate the titular Georgia city. In its first two seasons, we’ve been taught a thing or two about streetwear, Southern States steez and the most effective method of stealing creps (OK, hopefully not that one). While we await season three, here’s a breakdown of the style lessons to take away from the show…

Picture: FX Networks

Here, there, everywhere

Couch surfer meets philosophical oddball, Darius — played by Lakeith Stanfield — proves that there’s method in the madness. When he’s not contemplating the flavor of a hot Cheeto, he's frequently traversing chaotic misadventures while donning the eclectic ensembles to match. With a retro paisley shirt, an '80s snapback and a tribal necklace, it’s all about confidence, my guy.

Picture: Getty

Recreating the Darius effect can range from full-on "I raided a thrift store" to as pared down as you like. For a subtle take, select two or three noteworthy pieces to sit amidst your casual staples. A retro Hawaiian shirt gives a solid '90s get-up (think a white tee, light-washed jeans and leather boots) some much-needed summer flavor. But a rogue beret tips it in just the right direction.

Picture: Fox Networks

Layers, boi

This heatwave won’t last forever, which means that layering is key, and the Atlanta guys have that quintessential Paper-Boi-on-tour uniform down. The winning combo is unsurprisingly the perennial hoodie and jacket failsafe. Bonus points for suave color pairings (we see you, Earn).

Picture: Getty

While the guys go fairly basic with their layers (to be fair, when is a denim or coach jacket not a good look?), you can opt for a slightly steezier alternative and pick an outerwear option with print detailing. Follow up with loose-fitting chinos and Vans sneakers to bring in a skater vibe.

Picture: Fox Networks

Polo player

Paper Boi in a frat house, in a polo. Paper Boi getting chased through the woods, in a polo. Paper Boi getting played by his barber, in a polo. It’s a mood. Take a leaf out of his book: if your wardrobe is basically identical rows of the same thing, throw on some rainbow stripes for that happy-rapper summer special.

Picture: Getty

You can head all the way back to the '70s for a sharper rendition of the same tune. A muted color palette instantly makes for a slightly smarter update: cornflower blue with retro horizontal stripes, you feel? And if you’re going all out, clashing chinos and a pair of tinted shades will take you from ATL to Italy.

Picture: FX Networks

Say it right

Ah, nothing says "hack-job music producer struggling to make ends meet" than a light-hearted logo T-shirt. And watching Earn trying to get his life together while decked out in an endless supply of tongue-in-cheek tees confirms what we already know... Dress for the mood you want, right?

Picture: Getty

A retro logo tee is just the way to inject some humor and a jolt of color into your daytime gear. Up the throwback feels with an open striped shirt, light-washed jeans and a pair of old-school sneakers.

Just FYI, peak Darius cannot be obtained without on-boarding several contrasting elements at once. But luckily, in real life, this translates into a popping street-style ensemble. Eclecticism reigns supreme, so start off with a pair of camo skater shorts and mix in a preppy polo shirt, a bright utility vest and a beanie. Yeah, it's summer, but you gotta bring the heat, right?